The following is the opinion and analysis of the writer:
In Arizona, driving a vehicle is a necessary part of many people's daily routine to get to work and school. That reality is no different for drivers on the autism spectrum. As a 19-year-old on the spectrum, I drive thousands of miles per year across Arizona, and being stopped by law enforcement is possible. The issue is that for many drivers on the spectrum, interacting with law enforcement can be difficult, as they often struggle to understand the situation. It can also be difficult for law enforcement, and they may perceive behavior as non-cooperative without understanding that the driver comes from a different background.
Thankfully, the Arizona Department of Transportation, along with the Department of Public Safety and the University of Arizona, has addressed that issue by creating a blue envelope program that allows a vehicle's driver to store their registration and insurance papers in a clearly marked envelope. The envelope also includes instructions for both law enforcement and the vehicle's driver, such as telling the driver to keep their hands on the wheel and informing the law enforcement officer that the driver is on the spectrum and may exhibit unusual movements and eye contact.
This is helpful for law enforcement as it tells them what to expect beforehand, and officers do not know everything about the driver. They may also forget information under high stress.
The blue envelope program is a crucial tool for law enforcement and drivers alike, as it helps communicate and makes interactions easier. The blue envelope program is also completely anonymous and voluntary for drivers and does not exempt anyone from traffic laws.
Unfortunately, the blue envelope program is not in statute, so it is applied inconsistently across the state. Some law enforcement agencies are familiar with it; others are not. The program has not been codified, further eroding certainty for the community, as it could be removed in the future. To address this problem, I worked with various stakeholders and my state Representative to draft a bill to ensure the blue envelope program is a permanent, sustainable solution that works best for the autistic community and law enforcement alike. That bill is now introduced as HB2651, but it still needs to become law and get a hearing.
To ensure HB2651 is passed and that drivers on the spectrum and law enforcement are better understood, I would ask people to email their state lawmakers and explain why passing HB2651 is vital to ensuring safety and fair treatment for all Arizona residents.
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